Planner A-Z Guide

Saint Paul RiverCentre is committed to accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Click here for more information on ADA policies.

Saint Paul RiverCentre has an exclusive contract with MHC Culinary Group who will handle the service and sale for all functions. Guests and exhibitors are not permitted to bring in outside alcohol and beverages are not to be taken out of designated service areas. Security personnel may be required to be scheduled during events where alcohol is being served.

Certified service animals are welcome, however, they must remain on a leash or in a harness. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animals individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. All other animals are strictly prohibited unless prior approval granted. Discuss with your Event Manager any exhibitor or presenters who may wish to have an animal at your event to ensure all protocols are met.

Saint Paul RiverCentre is equipped with a Wells Fargo cash machine located at Gate 1 of Xcel Energy Center, next to the Xcel Energy Center Box Office.

Saint Paul RiverCentre houses a variety of Audio Visual equipment available for rental to meet your event’s needs. Any equipment provided through the venue will be set up and operated by stagehand labor scheduled through your Event Manager. Contact your Event Manager for current inventory as well as for estimated rental and labor costs.

Banners may be hung by RiverCentre staff only and must be discussed prior to your event. Your Event Manager will help determine hanging costs along with scheduling timing to hang event banners based on locations, sizes, and quantity. Exhibitors who wish to hang banners and who have the approval of the show manager to do so should be directed to call the Exhibitor Services line at (651) 265-4875 to place an order for staff to hang a banner in their booth. Banner sizes must be provided to complete the order.

Ticketmaster exclusive contract. You will be assigned a box office manager to work on ticketing of your event.

Loffler Business Center is conveniently located in Saint Paul RiverCentre and can fulfill your copying, binding, printing and signage needs. Clients and exhibitors are encouraged to submit business center orders before arrival. By doing so, advance shipping fees for printed materials will be eliminated. Loffler Business Center does not offer shipping services. Final products can be delivered directly to your booth or registration desk upon your arrival.

• Loffler Business Center is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Additional hours available upon request for a fee.

For more information, contact the business center at (651) 726-8273 or click here.

Saint Paul RiverCentre has a very limited supply of carts at our Security Office that are available on a first come, first serve basis. Our Security Office is located by Dock #1 in the loading dock on level 1 of our facility. You will be required to leave a valid photo ID with our Security Office while using the cart. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring their own carts for transferring freight.

MHC Culinary Group is the exclusive caterer and concessionaire for Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Outside food and beverage are prohibited.

Your initial table and chair set-up is provided at no charge. This includes all of your non-exhibit areas (meeting rooms, offices, general sessions, meal functions, etc.). Labor costs may be incurred for changes to room set-ups. Contact your Event Manager for current changeover rates.

Saint Paul RiverCentre staff will vacuum aisles and public spaces for each event. Booth cleaning is generally the responsibility of the show decorator. In most cases, trash removal and recycling is provided by Saint Paul RiverCentre at no additional cost. For events with substantial waste, additional waste removal will be required and you will be invoiced a dumpster fee for those services.

Compressed air service is available if needed through fixed floor locations in Exhibit Halls AB. Any booth requiring compressed air must be pre-arranged with your Event Manager prior to load in to ensure the proper connection can be provided.

Your Event Manager can discuss areas in your event space that can be used to set up a coat/bag check. Staffing can be provided by your event staff or by having an attendant scheduled through MHC Culinary Group. Contact your Catering Manager for current labor rates.

All decorations must have prior approval from your Event Manager. Adhesives that are proven to be non-damaging and approved by Saint Paul RiverCentre may be allowed to be used in event areas.

Saint Paul RiverCentre will work closely with exhibitors, clients and service providers to ensure that show materials are handled as expected. Saint Paul RiverCentre is not responsible for shipments that may be lost or damaged. We ask that show materials arrive no earlier than three days before your event’s first move-in date and are well marked with contact information and the name of the event to ensure proper delivery. If a decorator is contracted for your event, drayage must be managed by them to streamline handling. To make arrangements for earlier delivery of materials, please contact your Event Manager.
 

• Client Freight: It is recommended that if a decorator is contracted for your show, they will also be utilized to manage drayage of all show materials. In the case that this is not possible, show materials can all be shipped to the RiverCentre Loading Dock at the address shown below. Please notify your Event Manager of all expected deliveries.
• Exhibitor Freight: If a decorator is not contracted to provide drayage, exhibitors should be given the above instructions and mark all shipments as shown in the example below. Exhibitor freight will be signed for and held on the RiverCentre Loading Dock until the exhibitor is on site for set-up to retrieve their items. At the close of the show, exhibitors are responsible for packaging their outbound shipments, providing the proper labels, and moving all items to the loading dock to be picked up by the scheduled company.  Exhibitors are responsible for calling their preferred courier to schedule a pick up and provide payment information. 
• Example of Label:
  RiverCentre Loading Dock
  Name of Event
  Attn: Client Name or Exhibitor Booth #
  310 Eagle Street
  Saint Paul, MN 55102

Saint Paul RiverCentre is located at 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Click here for directions. 

Motorized vehicles may be permitted to be displayed in a contracted space with prior authorization. Fire code requires that any display vehicle have the battery disconnected and minimal fuel in the gas tank while on the show floor.

We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value of all individuals. We pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages and experiences.

Electrical needs can be made available nearly any place throughout event spaces. Your Event Manager can help make prior arrangements for electrical placement and/or higher voltage needs. Your Event Manager can provide specific pricing for anticipated needs. Exhibitors can place orders and pay for their specific electrical requirements online via the Exhibitor Services Online Ordering. Other services may also be available for purchase as Saint Paul RiverCentre is equipped with compressed air and water services in certain event spaces.

Each event space is accessible via freight and passenger elevator. Your Event Manager can provide directions to each for loading and attendee use.

Saint Paul RiverCentre houses a wide variety of equipment that is available for rent. Please contact an Event Manager for details on equipment inventory, rates and availability. If your event requires equipment not owned by RiverCentre, your Event Manager can assist with contracting for outside equipment with a variety of outside providers.

Your Sales Manager will introduce you to the assigned Event Manager you’ll work with once your event contract has been signed. Your Event Manager will be your main point of contact to work with you ahead of your event to plan logistics and labor for the set-up, execution and strike of your event, as well as follow up post-event for feedback and invoicing. Your RiverCentre Event Manager will work alongside your MHC Catering Manager, as well as can be a point of contact for any vendors you have hired to ensure seamless integration of details.

Exhibitors can order and pay for services needed at your event directly through the RiverCentre online ordering system found here. Talk with your Event Manager about specific services and equipment to be provided from the venue if you also have hired a decorator to provide items.

The Saint Paul fire marshal assigned to your event will work with you through your Event Manager. He or she will guide you through your drawings making note of problems and potential safety violations. In addition to signing off on drawings, the Fire Marshal customarily will stop in each event day to ensure that all safety requirements are being met.

The health and safety of your attendees and exhibitors are as important to us as they are to you. Since these are mutual concerns and responsibilities, we provide modern health care facilities maintained and stocked by Regions Hospital and staffed with licensed professionals specifically trained to respond to situations occurring at Saint Paul RiverCentre. If you chose to use Regions First Aid services, the cost will appear on your final bill.

Room set-up diagrams will be created by your venue Event Manager to communicate your needs to staff. Additional versions may also be created by contracted vendors you use to show their specific equipment set-up. A floor plan must be submitted by your decorator or Event Manager for approval to the Saint Paul Fire Marshal no later than one week prior to your event.

Only water based fog machines or hazers may be used inside Saint Paul RiverCentre and must have prior approval from your Event Manager.

All events must adhere to the City of Saint Paul’s food sampling guidelines when distributing any food or beverage items inside of Saint Paul RiverCentre.

Pallet jacks are available to be checked out through our security office for ease of moving items throughout the building. If necessary, your Event Manager can schedule a forklift and driver on your event’s load-in and load-out dates.

Use of any confetti must be approved through your Event Manager prior to your event. Saint Paul RiverCentre may restrict the use of certain materials or spaces allowed for such décor.

Ushers/ticket takers are available to be scheduled to work at your event. Your Event Manager can discuss needs and make recommendations for staffing positions as well as provide an estimated labor cost. While outside volunteers or staff from your organization are welcome to also work similar positions, there may be instances where venue staffing is required and it’s always good to consider the building and area knowledge they can additionally provide to your event attendees.

Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium retain the exclusive right to provide, control and retail all food and beverage services throughout the facilities for events including catering, concessions, novelties and the sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and to retain any revenues. Exhibitors are not permitted to sell, distribute or provide samples of food and beverage products without written permission from Saint Paul RiverCentre in advance of the show. The exclusive right may be waived in case of trade/exhibit shows or conventions that are of a food and/or beverage nature and are not open to the general public. Waivers must be made by Saint Paul RiverCentre management in advance of the show. If a waiver is granted, any exhibitors giving away and/or selling food and beverage products must have a permit and all appropriate fees on file with the Minnesota Department of Health. Exhibitors will also be fully responsible for any and all liabilities that may result from the consumption of their products and not Saint Paul RiverCentre, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, MHC Culinary Group, nor the City of Saint Paul.

A Certificate of Insurance will be required to be on file for your event no less than two weeks prior to the first set-up day. The City of Saint Paul sets the required limits for all events in Saint Paul RiverCentre of general liability insurance for no less than $1.5 million per occurrence and $3 million general aggregate.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue. Talk to your Event Manager about any additional phone or data services your event may need.

Specific rooms may be able to be secured to limit those who may have access to them during your event. Your Event Manager will provide you with keys so your staff will have access as needed. We also encourage adding security staff on for areas that are of concerns as no space can be guaranteed to be secured unless security personnel is staffed to monitor at all times during your event.

The Saint Paul RiverCentre Loading Dock boasts 10 fully enclosed dock bays. The loading dock is designed for drive on access to the exhibition hall floor and is equipped with three large freight elevators to move items from the loading dock to various levels of our complex. The loading dock is staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by the Saint Paul RiverCentre security staff. Our loading dock is located at 310 Eagle Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Your Event Manager will help ensure all parking needs are covered for your event. Click here for a map and more info.

Lost an item? We want to help you find it. During events, lost and found items are turned into the event promoter. Items not retrieved during an event are brought to the lost and found department within our facility. To inquire about a lost item after an event, please call 651-265-4880.

The marketing and public relations team at Saint Paul RiverCentre is pleased to provide a variety of services to enhance and promote your event. All events have the opportunity to be listed on the exterior marquee and to have a dedicated event listing on Saint Paul RiverCentre’s website. For public, ticketed events, additional opportunities are available. Click here to learn more about event marketing services.

All exhibitors who sell merchandise from the show floor or take orders on either a wholesale or retail basis must contact the City of Saint Paul Office of License, Inspections and Environmental Protection (LIEP) for license and permit requirements. Call (651) 266-9107 or (651) 266-8989. Show managers are responsible for retaining a copy of all exhibitors’ ST3 forms. Exhibitors may exhibit only merchandise which they normally serve or produce in the ordinary course of their business and may only distribute such quantities that are reasonable in regards to the purpose of promoting the merchandise. Approved merchandise sales will only be permitted in the exhibitor's contracted space.

Walk through metal detectors (WTMD) are available for clients to use at no charge for their event. Labor charges for staffing will be billed back to the client on the final invoice. Metal detectors may be deemed a requirement for certain events. Contact your Event Manager for more information. To expedite the screening process, guests are encouraged to leave non-essential items at home or in their vehicles.

Our venues are equipped with two permanent nursing mother’s rooms.  Each features a secure room, comfortable chair, dim lighting and an electrical outlet for nursing mothers. One room is available on the ballroom level near the women’s restroom and the other is located inside the women's restroom in Hall A.  Both are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that Saint Paul RiverCentre does not provide refrigeration.

The RiverCentre Parking Ramp is the closest parking ramp. This parking ramp is located directly across the street from Saint Paul RiverCentre and is connected via skyway system.

Attendees are encouraged to use the City of Saint Paul's interactive parking map to find a variety of parking options within walking distance of the complex. Your Event Manager can discuss expected parking rates as well as options available for providing vouchers if you wish to cover the costs of parking for your event attendees.

Oversized vehicle parking is not available at Saint Paul RiverCentre.  Those in search of oversized vehicle parking, are encouraged to contact the union depot lot C at 651-202-2741 to make arrangements.  Parking reservations require 24 hour notification and pre-payment is required.  Parking in this lot is subject to availability.

Weapon policies vary inside Saint Paul RiverCentre. Guests with permits to carry are permitted to do so in Saint Paul RiverCentre, unless an individual event promoter dictates otherwise. Event promoters have the right to ban weapons at their events and if so, proper signage will be placed at the event entrance. If you have a specific question regarding permit to carry, please email us at info@rivercentre.org or call us at (651) 265-4800 with the name of the event you plan to attend so we can provide clarification on whether weapons are permitted.

If deemed necessary, your Event Manager will schedule Saint Paul Police staffing on your behalf and can provide labor totals on your final event invoice from the venue.

Public restrooms are all equipped with ADA accommodations. Gender neutral and family restrooms are available in Saint Paul RiverCentre.

Saint Paul RiverCentre has a variety of areas available for rigging in each event space. Contact your Event Manager for details on areas available and their weight loads.

Building security operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to manage overall facility security. Building security staff does NOT provide security for contracted areas or items left unattended in any spaces under contract.

Event specific security is determined by each individual event promoter and will vary by event. ASIA security is the preferred vendor for event security services. Contact your Event Manager for event specific security rates and to schedule services.

If your event has transportation needs to or from another venue, buses or shuttles are welcome to use designated pick-up/drop-off zones in front of the venue on Kellogg Boulevard. Transportation schedules should be arranged in advance with your Event Manager. Planners are encouraged to connect with our non-exclusive partner, Lorenz Bus Service, for options on shuttle services.

Saint Paul RiverCentre is connected to the downtown skyway system, making it easy to walk indoors to local hotels and restaurants.

Under the provisions of the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act of 1975, Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium are non-smoking buildings. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, vaporizers or similar products, is not permitted within 25 feet outside any entrance or exit. This policy includes our enclosed loading dock.

Saint Paul RiverCentre has a contract with the IATSE Local 13 union to handle all audio-visual needs in the complex. Your Event Manager will schedule the appropriate labor for all set up, event days and strike, and can provide a cost estimate based on your specific event details.

Any use of stickers is prohibited in the venue by clients or their exhibitors. Removal/clean-up fees may be incurred if they are distributed or adhered to building surfaces.

Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center are known for being passionate about creating the best experiences imaginable for their guests, and that includes providing a setting that is a model of sustainable practices. In 2014, this event complex was the first in the world to receive these three environmental certifications: LEED, Green Globes and APEX / ASTM. Visit our dedicated sustainability website to learn about our program, progress and resources for planning your next sustainable event.

Our operations team will assist with removing trash at the close of your event. Events with substantial amounts of rubbish may incur removal fees.

Saint Paul RiverCentre has an exclusive contract for all catering services with MHC Culinary Group and audio-visual labor through IATSE Local 13. RiverCentre does not have any exclusive contracts with outside providers for audio. We work with a multitude of decorators and audio-visual companies. IATSE labor charges for installation, operations and removal do apply regardless of the audio-visual provider.

Valet parking can be arranged through Impark Valet Services.  Event planners interested in valet parking should call (651) 223-5795 for more information or consult your event manager.

Water connections are available if needed through fixed floor locations in Exhibit Halls AB. Any booth requiring water service must be pre-arranged with your Event Manager prior to load in to ensure the proper connection can be provided.

Weapons other than firearms may be allowed when they are a part of an approved exhibitor’s booth during contracted shows with prior approval and an agreed upon security staffing plan in place.

A limited number of wheelchairs are available to be checked out on a first come, first serve basis. Wheelchairs are to be used onsite and are not permitted to leave the property. Saint Paul RiverCentre does not provide motorized scooters.

Saint Paul RiverCentre has free, venue-wide Wi-Fi available for all events. Inside the venue, there are more than 100 Wi-Fi access points covering all levels. Guests can easily connect to the Wi-Fi network by selecting “RC_FreeWiFi” from among the connection options appearing on their device. Free Wi-Fi is recommended for casual browsing. We understand technology is an important part of events and want to help ensure your needs are met. Please discuss specific needs with your Event Manager who can explain additional internet services available as well as schedule IT support for your event.